Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

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New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records related to hush money payments but are open to delaying sentencing until he completes his second presidential term.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, in a court filing yesterday, emphasised that Trump’s upcoming presidency does not justify overturning his May conviction.

However, they acknowledged the need to balance constitutional concerns and suggested postponing the case until Trump leaves office.

Trump was convicted of covering up a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Prosecutors allege this was to silence claims of an affair, which Trump denies.

The conviction, stemming from 34 felony counts, could carry penalties ranging from a fine to up to four years in prison.

The case’s next steps remain uncertain.

Judge Juan M. Merchan has yet to rule on Trump’s efforts to overturn the conviction, citing concerns about presidential immunity and constitutional precedent.

Prosecutors dismissed arguments that Trump’s presidency should shield him from accountability, highlighting the jury’s role in upholding justice.

Trump’s lawyers, pursuing appeals and seeking dismissal, argue the case disrupts the presidential transition and infringes on constitutional protections.

Meanwhile, Trump maintains the payments were legitimate legal expenses, and his legal team is exploring options that could take the case to the Supreme Court.

The hush money case, the only one of Trump’s four indictments to go to trial, has reignited debate over holding a sitting president accountable for pre-presidency conduct.

While Trump cannot pardon himself for the state conviction, he has pledged to appeal if the verdict is upheld.

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